Pretrial detention has long been a part of the criminal justice system in New South Wales (NSW). This report sets out alternatives to pre-trial detention centred on expanding structured bail supervision and developing community-based approaches to managing individuals outside of full-time custody. 

Drawing on successful models in Scotland and South Australia, the research shows these approaches can strengthen compliance with bail conditions, reduce pressure on the prison system and more effectively and efficiently deliver corrective services.

The report comes as the number of people held on remand in New South Wales – meaning people in custody while awaiting trial – reaches record levels, now accounting for nearly half of the adult prison population. Almost 9 in 10 people received into a correction centre on any given day are on remand.